Phuket, Thailand, August 30, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Phuket's top chefs are putting the spotlight on the flourishing sustainable gastronomy movement. Live cooking demonstrations will take place on September 4, and key CSR projects are supporting the local community. The successful farm-to-table movement is the focus of PHIST 2023 (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism). Top chefs will demonstrate how Michelin stars in Thailand can set new standards for sustainability and social responsibility.

PHIST 2023, Southeast Asia's largest sustainability event for the travel and hospitality industry, returns to Phuket on September 4th, offering a diverse daytime program of interactive debates, discussions and exhibitions, led by some of the biggest names in the industry such as KP Ho, founder of Banyan Tree, and design icon Bill Bensley.

It has now been announced that participants of SAii Laguna Phuket will also enjoy world-class farm-to-fork gastronomy, presented by three of the region's most renowned culinary personalities: Rick Dingen, chef of Jampa Restaurant, who has been awarded the prestigious Michelin Green Award for his commitment to zero-waste cuisine; Xavier Charest-Rehel, chef of Banyan Tree Phuket, who runs the organic garden Veya Pharm, which focuses on clean farming methods; and Tipaporn Phianthong, chef of Saffron Restaurant at Banyan Tree Phuket.

At PHIST 2023, these acclaimed chefs will host a series of exciting live cooking demonstrations. Guests can experience the action up close, learn why sustainable, regional, and zero-waste food is so important, and of course, sample the chefs' delicious creations.

Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks and co-organizer of PHIST 2023, said: “We are delighted to present these three world-class chefs, all committed to the farm-to-fork philosophy, at PHIST. Travel to Asian island getaways now offers more than just a beach holiday; for many guests, sampling outstanding, artisanal food provides an authentic sense of place. Sustainable practices are not only good for the environment, but also help restaurants create authentic culinary experiences, support local suppliers, and attract travel-loving foodies.”

Organic cuisine is at the heart of the Banyan Tree Group's culinary philosophy. Xavier Charest-Rehel, Executive Chef of Banyan Tree Phuket, founded Veya Pharm, which focuses on particularly nutrient-rich ingredients such as mushrooms, passion fruit, tomatoes, mulberries, chili peppers, and a wide variety of herbs and spices. These are used in the resort's restaurants and canteen.

Chef Xavier explained: “At Banyan Tree Group, we have been committed to using seasonal, regional produce in our kitchens for years and strive to find sustainable alternatives that have a positive impact on the environment and local communities. I look forward to presenting our farm-to-table strategy at PHIST 2023.”

The Phuket Hotels Association, co-organizer of PHIST 2023, is actively committed to regional cuisine and waste reduction. Through its "Green Planet School" project, the association supports schools in Phuket in creating small organic gardens, enabling children to learn how to grow their own food and protect the environment. This initiative has already been implemented at four schools, each affiliated with a member hotel of the association.

To register, please visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/phist-6-phuket-hotels-island-sustaining-tourism-tickets-644279787187